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ICDAR2003 Award Ceremony

ICDAR'2003 Award Ceremony for Outstanding Contributions

The ICDAR'2003 Award for Outstanding Contributions has been given to Henry Baird, who was selected by a committee of seven well-known members from the community, from a select list of several nominees. The traditional title of "Lifetime award" was considered less appropriate in this case, considering this candidate's age. Consequently, the award was renamed, as shown above, for the occasion.

the TC-10 and 11 chairs are aware we are dealing with a person who has Scottish roots

So Josep [Llados] and I went to the Royal Mile, downtown Edinburgh, to collect some typical Scottish items. We saw a lot of weaponry, big swords and the like, and wondered how you would pass Security on the airports with those. [laughter] Fortunately, we have found a few items which might be more appropriate.

The first one is this Scottish flag, which we would like you to display at a prominent place in you U.S. front garden.

[Henry waves with flag]

Your name, Baird, concerns one of the clans, such that a quilt pattern exists. Rather than buying you a skirt, we deemed it more appropriate to give you this tie.

The label of this tie contains interesting information on your ancestry. The Bairds were known as Sherifs of Aberdeen and have done interesting things in India. I will not go into the details, it may be embarassing.

[Henry puts on the tie]

Finally, I would like to mention what the word "Baird" actually means. It is Gaelic "Bard", for "he who makes the music".

[Lambert hands over the harp with Celtic engravings, laughter+applause].

[Henry sings and plays on harp, laughter]

And of course we would like to show the musician a sign of gratitude [Lambert hands envelope]